October is National Cooperative Month, an annual celebration of what makes co-ops different and the difference co-ops make. You can see the cooperative business model in action across a variety of industries, from agriculture to grocery stores to utilities. Electric cooperatives like Haywood EMC are based in the communities they serve, independent and governed by a board of directors, which is elected by their members rather than shareholders.

Throughout each year, Haywood EMC strives to create a brighter future for co-op member-owners and our communities through commitments to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric service - as well as community and economic development.

Over the past year, Haywood EMC has supported community programs such as Bright Ideas education grants, Volunteer Fire Department donations, Touchstone Energy Scholarships, community creek clean ups, the United Way's flood rebuilding efforts, and much more!

As your local, not-for-profit, member-owned power provider, we work to strengthen the areas we serve while building a brighter future for our members. To learn more about the value of co-op membership in your community, visit haywoodemc.com/community.